Ascent of White Butte on 2012-05-20

Ascent Trip Report

A Previous report had me worried about attempting this highpoint for several reasons. This turned out not to be the case. I tried contacting the owner at the number listed in trip reports, but never got in touch with anyone. Upon arriving at the mailbox, there was a "Road Closed" sign on the grass covered roadway heading to the hill, and a sign hanging from the mailbox, "For Continued Access Highpoint Donation in Mailbox" That was how is was, leaving out a few grammar items. I put some cash in the box, and assumed that was my "permission" and could probably win in a court situation. I did not ignore the road closed, and proceeded down the road on the mountain bike I had in the back of the truck. I saw fresh tire tracks from a vehicle, so obviously someone thought the road closed sign was not applicable with a possible donation.Having read reports of rattlesnakes, and being deathly afraid of the slithery serpents, I changed my shorts and shoes into jeans and heavy boots. Fortunately I didn't see any sign of snakes, maybe not warm enough, or still too early in the year. (temp was about 72 degrees).I road my mountain bike to the walkthrough gate, parked and hiked the remaining mile to the summit. It was an easy trek to the top, and a single track, rather well defined trail made the trip fairly easy. The start of the trail right at the base was the only part that was a little steep. If you cross the man-gate, stay along the fence line, heading due south towards the high point. The trail will meander off the path to the right slighlty, but will also still be heading south. The trails goes through a small group of trees, almost reminding of an orchard about midway up the hill.At the top, a register in the box showed me I was actually the 3rd person there this day. A geological survey marker was placed on top. I took pictures, signed the register and made my way back down.